Windows 10 ESU enrollment uses Windows Update, a Microsoft account, and one of three options through October 13, 2026.
A Windows 10 PC keeps turning on after normal support ends, but it stops getting regular security fixes unless the PC is enrolled. For anyone checking how to enroll in Windows 10 ESU, the path is inside Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, not a separate installer.
The offer is meant for people who need more time before moving to Windows 11. The shortest path is to update Windows 10 first, sign in with an adult administrator Microsoft account, choose the enrollment option Windows shows, and confirm the PC appears as enrolled in Windows Update.
Who Can Enroll In Windows 10 ESU?
Windows 10 ESU is for eligible consumer PCs running Windows 10 version 22H2 on Home, Professional, Pro Education, or Workstations editions. A work-managed PC may need the commercial ESU path instead.
Check your version before hunting for the button. Press Start, open Settings, choose System, then About. Under Windows specifications, look for version 22H2 and the edition name.
- Use a Microsoft account with administrator rights on that PC.
- A child Microsoft account cannot enroll the PC.
- Domain-joined, Microsoft Entra-joined, MDM-managed, kiosk, or already licensed ESU devices do not use the consumer offer.
- Microsoft Entra registered devices can still use the consumer offer.
Enrolling In Windows 10 ESU: Choices Before You Tap
Consumer Windows 10 ESU gives the same security-update result whether you use Windows Backup, Microsoft Rewards, or the $30 purchase option. The choice only changes how you qualify for the license.
Microsoft says consumer ESU covers eligible security updates for enrolled Windows 10 version 22H2 PCs, but it does not add feature upgrades, design changes, nonsecurity fixes, or regular technical help. Microsoft’s Windows 10 ESU enrollment page lists the current prerequisites, pricing, enrollment path, and October 13, 2026 program end date.
| Enrollment Option | What You Need | Good Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Back up Windows settings | Turn on PC settings backup with the enrolling Microsoft account | No-additional-cost enrollment for one Microsoft account |
| Redeem Microsoft Rewards | 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points | People who already have Rewards points |
| One-time purchase | $30 USD plus any applicable tax | People who do not want backup or Rewards |
| Extra home PCs | Same Microsoft account used on the first enrolled PC | Up to 10 eligible Windows 10 devices |
| Business-owned PCs | Commercial ESU license and IT activation | Domain, Entra-joined, or managed devices |
| Windows 11-capable PCs | Free Windows 11 upgrade eligibility | Longer support without ESU enrollment |
| Unsupported edition | Edition change or different lifecycle | LTSC, Enterprise, or managed cases |
Enroll From Windows Update
Windows Update is the normal consumer enrollment screen. Install every offered Windows update first, then return to Windows Update and use the ESU prompt.
- Open Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates, install all available updates, and restart if Windows asks.
- Return to Windows Update and select Enroll now when the ESU link appears.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account if Windows asks. The account must be an administrator account, not a child account.
- Choose Back up your settings, Redeem Rewards, or Purchase, then follow the on-screen prompts.
- After enrollment, go back to Windows Update. The page should show that your PC is enrolled, and ESU security updates will arrive through Windows Update.
For a second eligible PC, use the same Microsoft account, open Windows Update, choose Enroll now, then select Add device when Windows offers it.
Why Is Enroll Now Missing?
The Enroll now link usually goes missing because the PC is not fully updated, is not on Windows 10 version 22H2, uses an ineligible account, or is managed like a work device. Fix those items before assuming the offer is unavailable.
Microsoft also released KB5071959 after some consumer PCs had enrollment wizard failures. If your eligible PC still cannot enroll, run Check for updates, install KB5071959 or any newer cumulative update Windows offers, restart, and check Windows Update again.
| What You See | Likely Cause | Move To Make |
|---|---|---|
| No ESU link | Windows 10 is not fully updated | Run Check for updates, install updates, restart |
| No ESU link on 21H2 | Wrong Windows 10 version | Move to version 22H2 first |
| Account blocked | Child or non-admin Microsoft account | Enroll from an adult administrator account |
| Offer unavailable | Domain, Entra, MDM, or kiosk setup | Ask IT for commercial ESU enrollment |
| Wizard fails | Known enrollment bug on some PCs | Install KB5071959 or a newer update, then retry |
| Second PC asks again | Different Microsoft account | Sign in with the first enrolled account and use Add device |
What To Do After Enrollment
Enrollment is not the finish line; Windows Update still has to install ESU releases when Microsoft ships them. Leave automatic updates on, restart when asked, and check the update history after each monthly security release.
Use this sequence if the PC will stay on Windows 10 for several more months:
- Keep Windows Update set to receive updates automatically.
- Keep Microsoft Defender Antivirus or another trusted antivirus active.
- Remove browsers, remote-access tools, and apps you no longer use.
- Plan the Windows 11 move or PC replacement before October 13, 2026.
Windows 10 ESU buys time, not a new product life. A fully enrolled PC gets security patches during the ESU period, but Windows 11 or a newer PC is the longer-term fix once your hardware can handle it.
References & Sources
- Microsoft.“Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU).”Lists consumer ESU eligibility, enrollment choices, pricing, device limits, and the October 13, 2026 end date.